Published on September 11, 2005

Silent Hunter III is an excellent submarine simulation game for serious players. The main reason for this is that manoeuvring a German U-boat takes time to learn and you have to remember a lot of shortcut keys.

Although the developer, Ubisoft, has simplified the submarine controls so that you can focus on the role of being the captain, there is still plenty you need to know. Fortunately, there are tutorial missions in the Naval Academy created for you to become familiar with the controls.

The various controls you have to carry out include speed, depth and direction as well as attack. You should also have a printout of the game’s keyboard shortcuts in case you get lost while playing.

The game lets you control several models of U-boats, including the Type II, VII, IX and XXI submarines. For single player mode, there are single-player missions and dynamic campaigns. A few single missions are included, based on both historical and hypothetical battles. Best of all, there is a complete mission editor for creating nearly any scenario you like.

The dynamic campaign is even better for you can select from various time periods ranging from 1939 to 1944. U-boats that are available depend on the time and the fleet you choose. Early in the war, Type II U-boats are not very advanced and carry only a few torpedoes. In the middle years of the war, the subs improve with Type VII and Type IX models. But remember, your enemies and escort ships are also getting better at getting rid of them.

You need to perform well enough in the early missions to acquire the reputation to modify your sub. Your performance in training missions lets you modify your first sub. You gain fame by sinking ships, and then you can use it on sub upgrades like sonar, engine superchargers and improved torpedoes.

The game developer has done an excellent job in simulating environment. For example, if you are on the submarine’s bridge when it is leaving port, you can see people lining the docks to see you off. Ports are also modelled like their real-life counterparts.

Once you have manoeuvred your sub into an attacking position, it’s time for the best part of the game, which is the simulation of plotting and firing solutions. You can have the computer handle the targeting for you but the fun lies in doing everything on your own.

You can identify targets through the periscope or binoculars using the on-screen ship ID database. Then, you send the data to the targeting computer and measure its range by using the scope to place a line at the top of the ship’s mast and another line on the horizon. You also need to use other tools to figure out the target’s speed and any other information. All the data you collect are sent to a targeting computer that calculates how much lead the torpedoes must use to hit the target.

The game also excels in sound and graphics.

Silent Hunter III is available on a DVD disc and distributed in Thailand by New Era Interactive Media Co Ltd (www.newera.co.th) for Bt750.

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